Molecular diagnostic company Myriad Genetics has launched myRisk Hereditary Cancer, a new multi-gene diagnostic test for hereditary cancer testing.
The new test analyses 25 genes that are associated with breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, gastric and melanoma cancers.
Myriad Genetics Laboratories president Mark Capone noted the company is excited to launch myRisk Hereditary Cancer, which is a significant scientific advancement in hereditary cancer testing for a range of clinically-actionable cancers.
"myRisk Hereditary Cancer will improve the quality of patient care by empowering healthcare providers with knowledge about their patients' risk of hereditary cancer and the appropriate medical management options available based on that risk," Capone added.
Myriad Genetics' myRisk Hereditary Cancer test is being launched in a phased approach starting with an early-access, clinical-experience program to a limited number of medical and scientific thought leaders followed by an expanded access program later 2013.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center division of Hematology and Oncology chief Dr Lee S. Schwartzberg noted Myriad is taking a stepwise, careful approach to responsibly gather clinical experience with the myRisk Hereditary Cancer test before fully launching this potentially revolutionary new diagnostic test for hereditary cancer.
"Also, the breadth of Myriad's new test report should empower medical professionals with the right information to facilitate better education and counselling for their patients," Schwartzberg added.
